Eyeliner is somehow one of the hardest to apply cause unlike intuitive products like blush or foundation, eyeliner can go very wrong, very fast. That said, there are some game-changing tricks that’ll help you apply eyeliner like a pro, and they’re actually pretty easy to master.
Apply eyeliner with precise lines: If your eyeliner turns out thick and smudgy regardless of how carefully you apply it, it might be time to give your pencil a quick sharpen. Lining your eyes with a flat-tip pencil will leave you with rough, uneven lines, so keep a sharpener in your makeup bag at all times.
Apply eyeliner that doesn’t transfer: Transfer is annoying but also fairly common, especially if you have smaller, hooded eyelids or oily skin. Try increasing the height of your eyeliner so the line is still visible when you open your eyes. That way, when your eyelid folds and opens, your liner will stay put.
Apply colored eyeliner: Keep it simple and accentuate your upper or lower lash line with a thin line of color rather than a full-on, super-intense block of it.
Apply winged eyeliner that matches: Rather than starting with a thick line, apply your eyeliner as thin as possible. If it ends up being thicker on one side, it’s easier to build up one side to match. But if both lines end up too thick, shave them down with a cotton swab dipped in an oil-based makeup remover.
Apply eyeliner that doesn’t smudge: To keep your liquid liner from smudging and transferring, swap out your formula for a waterproof eyeliner. Then, top your eyeliner with a little black eyeshadow to lock it into place, finishing off with a sweep of translucent powder.
Apply eyeliner with curled lashes: Always curl your lashes before you apply eyeliner to avoid any smudging.
Apply eyeliner without any gaps: Sometimes it’s really hard to get close enough to the base of your lashes. Avoid an awkward gap between your lashes and liner by slightly pulling up on the lower half of your upper eyelid while lining your lashes. This gives you access to any bare spots next to your lashes that still need some liner love.
Apply winged eyeliner: Save yourself a little time and a lot of frustration in the morning by using the angle of your lower lash line as a guide for your winged liner. Then, place a dot on the outer corner of each eye before using your liquid liner to make sure the sides match up.
Apply eyeliner that looks sharp: Rather than pulling your skin, try looking to the side instead. So, if you’re lining the inner corner of your eye, look to the outer corner to make your lids taut without any tugging.
Remove your eyeliner fully: Completely removing your makeup at night is key, since leftover product can interfere with your eyeliner the next morning. To make sure you’re starting with a blank canvas, clear away any residue with an oil-based makeup remover before you apply fresh eyeliner.
Apply eyeliner without looking smokey: Line your eye as close to your lash line as possible and then use a smudge brush, which is tightly packed and skinny enough that it won’t blend the product too low.